Product Development Engineer

THE COMPANY:
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We’ve been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple — treat each other and our customers like family.

THE POSITION:
The Product Development Engineer designs new products, reverse-engineers existing ones, and ensures product quality through rigorous testing and prototyping. This role identifies and resolves product-related issues, provides technical support to the sales team, and establishes product performance criteria. Additionally, the engineer manages 3D printing operations, oversees quality control processes, and collaborates with vendors to streamline product development. This position requires strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work cross-functionally to drive innovation and efficiency. This role is 100% on-site. The pay range for this role is fixed at $70,000 to $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with product ideation, quoting, and tracking air shipment estimates.
• Design new products from the ground up and reverse-engineer existing products as needed.
• Establish product performance criteria, limitations, applications, and production tolerances.
• Develop and manage handmade prototypes, samples, and 3D-printed models.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of 3D printers, including inventory control of printing materials.
• Conduct product testing, including performance evaluations related to weight limits, shelving connections, and various fixture applications.
• Lead and oversee quality control processes, including quality audits and inspections.
• Identify and resolve product-related issues efficiently.
• Provide technical information and support to the sales team regarding product specifications and performance.
• Maintain accurate product records in both physical and digital formats, ensuring proper documentation of product revisions over time.
• Provide direction and approval for inbound shipments and evaluate samples for new tooling.
• Design and provide production jigs and fixtures for packaging and assembly.
• Offer conflict resolution strategies for salvaging defective or unacceptable parts.
• Manage communication between Kinter and vendors regarding product development and ensure seamless collaboration.
• Serve as a resource for the Purchasing team following sample approvals and provide analysis to support vendor connections.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Proficient in SolidWorks with experience in 3D modeling, design, and drafting.

Preferred Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with ISO certification preferred.
• Retail merchandising experience preferred.
• Knowledge of supply chain management.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with power tools & CNC machining is a plus.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Physical Requirements:

• Standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to make repetitive movements, including moving of the wrists/and or fingers, bending, or squatting.

• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

• This position will work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment with periods in a warehouse with moderate noise-level.

Travel:

• Local travel may be required for field surveys, installations, or client meetings.
• Regular travel for industry-related trade shows, store installations, client meetings, etc.

The Location: Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.

Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of a dedicated, family-owned business with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to its employees.
• Enjoy generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—100% covered for the employee by Kinter, with no payroll deductions.
• Secure your future with our fully employer-funded pension plan (contributions start after 1 year, fully vested after 5 years, with no deductions from your paycheck).
• Unlock long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.